Version 2.2 The comeback

Part One – They’re back

News hit the music world of James return and the the band’s reformation FAST.Journalists went into a panic to find out more for an information hungry public.The most excited person on the planet was Mr. Sincerity, his life took on a whole new meaning now that the boys were back together, no more flogging a dead horse; he had fresh new exciting music to flog.He was in for a surprise.Another person who showed great interest in the band’s reformation was one MR Blanc, now rapidly becoming one of the richest men in Britain due to some canny deals, favours returned and just plain good luck.The one nagging mystery that had not revealed itself after his imprisonment had something to do with THAT band.

Part Two – Surprises abound

The band were more surprised than the organizers when a simple Shopping Centre promotion turned into the biggest crowd seen for some time for a non event.When asked what the band had in store for the expectant fans James replied:“Something like you’ve never heard before, I think you’ll like it”James said it with such conviction and confidence that you were compelled to believe him. He of course knew it to be true because that’s the way he intended it.Any questions asked about James 5 year disappearance where ignored and the topic quickly changed.

Part Three – the Plan

Mr Sincerity was amazed – not at the mass hysteria the band had generated due ot the reformation – but amazed what he was holding and what he had just heard.In his hand was the cover of the next I.Q=∞ album, it was a reworking of the Beatles Classic Sgt. Peppers, he could live with that it had been done plenty of times before. The music, the band had decided to move into a whole new direction.

“It’s our Sgt Peppers” said James

Mr Sincerity was wondering if James was still suffering from whatever it was that made him disappear. James was confident and so were the Marcel and David that what the had produced would satisfy the fans. Mr Sincerity had doubts. Then they hit him with the biggest bombshell.No tours of The States, Europe, Japan or Australia, The band were touring the Middle East, Central Africa and the Far East.

Mr Sincerity could see the millions of dollars disappearing before his eyes.

THE NEW ALBUM

Part Four – Getting ready to tour

The boys have to brush off the cobwebs before they tour.The irony is that they are touring places where their records never sold or where never released.

Part Five – Mr. Blanc’s new life part 1

Mr. Blanc’s fortunes had changed considerably since his release. Things like that happen when you have your own pet Prime Minister.Mr. Blanc had managed to stay out of the limelight and the tabloid press with a combination of stealth, threats and new laws introduced by the present Parliament.These laws forbid speculative stories by Fleet Street and a total banning of unauthorized photography outside registered and gazetted events. This of course crushed the Paparazzi and was hailed by the rich, powerful and most importantly famous, such as rock stars and movie stars. Though it was predicted it would kill the gossip Magazine industry it in actual fact brought more celebrities to Britain because of the powerful privacy laws. Which in turn forced all studios to present Cinema Premiers in London and other major towns because no one would go where the Paparazzi were tolerated.I was a boom for fashion, style and trends in London and England became the centre of all things fashionable. Mr.Blanc also reopened his security business and soon was the largest and most prestigious company offering protection to the rich and famous in Europe.This also had it’s benefits because being this close to such people opened up a lot of doors and opportunities, especially those involving drugs, blackmail and theft.

Part Six – Mr. Blanc’s new life part 2

All of this building was part of Mr Blanc’s masterplan

MR. Blanc had now established where his brother was, it all came back not long after his release. Why or even how Edward had become a Monk and a singing one at that had confounded him at first. He remembered the first time he had seen his brother after he had disappeared after using him to smuggle precious stones into the country.

And one precious stone in particular.

When Mr.Blanc’s mind finally connected the final piece of his memory puzzle he understood everything completely. He was well aware of the power the Epiphany Stone possessed and he had been a victim of his own greed and power. The way his brother looked through him the night he was arrested still sent chills up his spine. He knew that his brother was lost to him now and the Epiphany stone was behind all the good fortune that had bestowed Edward and the other Monks. He really only had one purpose now that overshadowed all his other plans.

Destroy the Epiphany Stone and anyone who got in his way to achieve this.

Part Seven – Mr. Sincerity’s worries

“What on earth are you touring central Africa for?”

Mr Sincerity was pacing his office talking a bit too loudly at the speaker phone. No matter how urgent or private he could never bring himself to actually sit down and pick up the receiver.

“Have you any idea the cost of such an exercise, let alone the danger and for what? Small crowds and a loss on every country visited. Can’t we at least include South Africa into the Itinerary to make up our losses?”

There was no reply forthcoming from the telephone speaker that had been taped together from the times Mr Sincerity had thrown it on the floor in the last couple of days. It was currently screwed to his very expensive desk.

“Hello” Mr Sincerity asked after a couple more seconds of silence. He started to fret had he gone too far this time with his tone and frustration.

“Are you finished Mr Sincerity?” came a calm voice.

“James” thought Mr Sincerity , why couldn’t it be David. At least David knew how to make a dollar or two. “Yes, sorry James it’s just frustrating, I’m in the business of making money not charity like you.”

“No one loses here Mr Sincerity, you have my word on that. There is a bigger picture to view here and I remind you to keep that in mind”

There was a click over the speaker signaling the end of the teleconference. Mr Sincerity felt both dread and confidant. A strange combination. James’ words made him feel as if everything was going to be fine, how did he convey that calming effect over a piece of wire and a speaker, but just as worrying was the warning at the end, it carried its own measure of menace.

What was so damn important about touring Africa?

Part Eight – Dangerous Liaisons

Transcription of telephone conversation: 15.32 : 15 September 2015

Mr. Sincerity: I know it’s late in the planning but is there anything you can do?Speaker: There are options available

Mr. Sincerity: I don’t want to know what they are and nobody, I repeat NOBODY is to be hurt in the slightest way , I just want the tour to be abandoned.

Speaker: So you want it to appear as if it was an outside influence?

Mr. Sincerity: Yes, let the tour start then do what ever you need to do. I’d rather lose early than go bust at the end, who knows if you’re as good as you say you are maybe we should have a legitimate Insurance claim.

Speaker: We know our business well Mr. Sincerity, don’t worry. Africa can be a unpredictable place at the best of times, we have friends we can call on to make chaos a little more controllable, if you get my drift.

Mr. Sincerity: Well no I don’t and I don’t want too know just handle it and make sure the boys are protected. That is what you were hired to do originally and is still your main concern. Understood?

Speaker: Crystal Mr. Sincerity. I will be in touch.

As he hang up the phone Mr Blanc was surprised how easy everything was working in his favour.